During the past few weeks, MasterLink Software has been updating our management system, and our websites.

As part of the new ASW website, we would love to use photos and quotes from our clients on the Home page.  If you would like to take part, please take a few minutes to send an email with a few lines about ASW and your shop, plus one or more photos.  You can address them to timstone@masterlinksoftware.com .  Attach the photos in whatever format you have.

This is completely voluntary, but your assistance will help us keep people informed about the opportunities that they can have using ASW, and new clients would enable us to expand our features and services.

Thank you.

Your system now has AutoShopWriter Version 9.32.41 intsalled on the server.  Likely it also transferred to your workstations and you will see it there.  There are many features you will want to know about that are included in this update:

1)  In your \asw9s\mls folder is a file called ASWRun.exe.  You will want to copy and paste this file to the \ASW9c folder on each workstation.  Use the standard windows functions to perform this.  If you don’t know how, you can call for assistance.  Your updates will still work unless there is more than one update in a day.  This resolves that issue.

2)  In your \ASW9s\MLS folder on the server, you will find an MLS93.exe and an MLSRun.exe .  These are built with pure Microsoft tools ( not compatible ).  The functions are identical although the performance may be a bit better.  IF you wish to use these, perform the following steps:

a)  DO NOT do this if you are using the Advantage Database Server version 7, or 8.  If you are using single user, peer-to-peer, or ADS 9, 10, or 11 it will work.

b) Copy the two files to your ASW9c folder on a workstation, using the standard Windows Copy and Paste functions.

c)  Point to the MLSRun.exe file, right click the mouse, and select Send To > Desktop ( create shortcut ).  Use the new shortcut to run this version. 

d)  Both ASW92.exe and MLS93.exe can co-exist on a workstation, but only use one of the programs at a time one each computer.

3)  In previous versions we activated the Royalty Rewards system.   That has undergone continuous live testing.  You can email sales@masterlinksoftware.com for more information on how this system may help increase customer loyalty for your shop.

4)  In this version, we have release the Carfax Service History.  You will see the new icon on workorders, the vehicle edit screen, and appointments.  If you have been using CARFAX then you need do nothing to have this work for you.  Just click the button and you will see the complete history for a vehicle that has been reported to CARFAX.  See gaps ?  That’s because some shops, or systems, are not reporting.  Use this for a bit and you will see just how valuable the service can be for your clients.

5)  This version also contains the ServiceIntelligence CRM 360 integration.  It is FULLY implemented.  You can get details at www.eAutoClub.com and if it interests you, you can contact the company for a free trial.  Not only is this a marketing follow up system ( with cards, letters, emails, etc ) but it also includes social media marketing.  Add to this a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle for what factory recommended services have/ have not been performed, and recommendations that need to be completed, and it provides a lot.  In addition, it also allows customers to request appointments and if you accept them, they go right into the ASW calendar.  SI can then follow up on appointments with reminders.

6)  We are still surprised at how many people do not know that we have credit card processing built into ASW, or just how convenient that is.  Charge It Pro is our recent addition and they are a wonderful, and very secure, company to work with.  If you would like info, send an email to sales@masterlinksoftware.com with the contact info, and they will call you.  There is no pressure from them, but remember … you will have rates that are likely better than your current vendor, and excellent service, plus the convenience of doing everything in ASW quickly.

There is more, but this is likely enough for now !  Always remember, you can call for assistance at any time, and if you don’t understand how to do something, you need to get in touch by email or phone !